§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the national figures for 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968, respectively, showing the number of women receiving the smear test for cervical cancer; and if he will make a statement on testing in the North East.
§ Mr. CrossmanAnnual rate of screening at 31st December:
1965 … … 768,288 1966 … … 1,309,212 In 1967 the method of calculation was changed.
Number of tests:
1st July, 1967, to 31st December, 1967–628,672.
1st January, 1968, to 30th June, 1968–702,950.
Figures for 1st January to 31st December, 1968, are not yet available.
At 30th June, 1968, the rate of testing for cervical cancer in the North East was near the national average, equivalent to 54 per cent. of women of 35 and over, based on a test once every five years. The figures included, however, many women under 35. I hope that more women in the older age group, who are at most risk, will be persuaded to take this simple test.